Deborah Elaine Vance

1957 - 2022

Deborah Elaine Vance passed away on Wednesday, May 20th,2020 in her home in Zambia, Africa. Due to Covid and travel restrictions, family and friends were unable to gather for a memorial service at that time. A Celebration of Life Service is now being held on Friday, May 20th,2022 at Hanfield United Methodist Church, 101 N. 400 E., Marion, IN at 3:00p.m. A visitation will be from 12:00pm-3:00pm with the service immediately following.

She was born on September 14,1957 in Seymour, Indiana to Paul and Judith (Carpenter) Rigsbee.

She graduated from Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) in 1979 with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work.

She married Rev. Kenneth Vance Jr. on June 3rd, 1978, and she and her husband served as Missionaries to Africa for 36 years, spreading the good news and love of Jesus Christ.

She was always a bright light in a dark room, and the glue that held everything and everyone together. She was sweet, loving, and passionate. She always had a smile on her face and loving embrace for those around her. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with family. She treasured those moments with her parents, siblings, extended family, spouse, children, and especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Ken, of nearly 42 years, daughter, Stacie (John II) Pearson, and grandchildren, Abigail, Hannah, and John III ; son, Joshua (Kelly) Vance, and grandchildren Emma, Lucas, and Rowan; her mother, Judith Rigsbee, sister, Katherine (Bruce) Beck, brother, Paul Rigsbee Jr., sister, Cynthia (James) Cornwell, brother, Eric (Shelli) Rigsbee, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Rigsbee, brother-in-law, Tim Giffin, sister-in-law, Barbara Rigsbee, several aunts/uncles, and other relatives.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Marion Mission Storehouse, P.O. Box 38, Marion, IN 45952, marked Deb Vance Memorial. The memorial will fund the Zambia Fisenge Methodist church development and the widow outreach program.